Decision details

The County Council is required to have a 'Staying Put' policy which enables looked after young people in foster care to remain living within their foster placement beyond their 18^th birthday and potentially up to their 21^st birthday, delaying their transition into independence. 

This policy requires a financial commitment and is an increase to the current budget allocated for care leavers.

It is proposed as an affordable option, that Lancashire's Staying Put Policy offers young people the opportunity to remain in their foster placements only up to the age of 19. 

Decisions are required regarding the level of Staying Put Allowance to be paid to (former) foster carers and the duration of that support.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools:

(i)  approved the Lancashire Staying Put Policy, as set out at Appendix 'A', which includes an arrangement lasting up to the age of 19 in Lancashire

(ii)  approved the proposed funding allowance to be paid to (former) foster carers.